Key Takeaways
- Undertake a 4-year Level 6 Apprenticeship in Product Design and Development Engineering.
- Earn £24,500 per year, working 37 hours per week on a 9-day fortnight.
- Gain practical experience in mechanical design, CAD, and engineering analysis.
- Requires GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science, plus A-Levels in Maths and Physics or a BTEC Level 3 in Engineering.
- Applications close on 2026-11-01.
About the Role
This Mechanical Design Engineer Apprenticeship goes beyond traditional design. You will apply mechanical engineering principles to solve complex technical challenges, create safe and effective design solutions, and support the through-life management of critical systems. This is not a traditional office-based design role. You will learn how mechanical engineering supports important equipment and systems that need to be safe, reliable and carefully controlled.
You will learn from experienced engineers and technical specialists, contributing to real projects that support AWE’s unique mission. You will work alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists, learning how engineering decisions are made and how they support AWE’s role in keeping the UK safe.
What You'll Learn
During the apprenticeship, you will learn how to:
- Turn customer and business requirements into realistic engineering solutions.
- Understand how designs are developed, checked, improved and supported throughout their life.
- Work with people from different technical teams, write clear engineering documents and support projects to meet agreed timescales.
- Build your confidence and technical knowledge through mentoring, training and support from experienced colleagues.
As you develop, you may use tools and techniques such as:
- CAD software, technical drawings and industry drawing standards.
- Engineering analysis, manufacturing processes and evidence that shows a design is safe and suitable.
Training
This is a 48-month apprenticeship followed by the End Point Assessment.
Career Progression
After successfully completing your apprenticeship, you will continue to develop as a professional engineer. Your first role may be as a Mechanical Design Engineer, with longer-term career routes that could include:
- Product Design Team: helping to design, develop and support engineering solutions from early ideas through to tested and approved designs.
- Hydrodynamic Trials Team: supporting specialist trials that help engineers understand how designs perform and confirm they meet safety and performance expectations.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Logical thinking
- Team working
- Creativity
- Initiative
- Maths
Qualifications
- Essential: 5 GCSEs including English, Maths and a Science (grade 4/C or above).
- Essential: A Level 3 A-levels must include Maths and Physics, or a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering (grade C or above).
Key Details
- Wage: £24,500 per year
- Working Hours: 37 hours per week (9-day fortnight)
- Duration: 4 Years
- Start Date: 2027-09-01
- Closing Date: 2026-11-01
- Apprenticeship Standard: Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Training Provider: AWE PLC